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Rory McIlroy wants you to stop saying he's breaking up with Caroline Wozniacki

"I know I've read what's been written," McIlroy said. "And like just because I have a bad day on the golf course and Caroline loses a match in Malaysia, it doesn't mean that we're breaking up. It's sport, and

It seems like every time Rory McIlroy or Caroline Wozniacki hit a professional rough patch -- something that's happened far more to Wozniacki in recent months -- there are rumors of strife in their relationship.

"I know I've read what's been written," McIlroy said. "And like just because I have a bad day on the golf course and Caroline loses a match in Malaysia, it doesn't mean that we're breaking up. It's sport, and look, I'd rather keep my private life as private as possible. Everything on that front is great and I'm looking forward to seeing her next week when she gets to Miami."

That's a pragmatic perspective from the 23-year-old. It can't be easy for McIlroy and Wozniacki to have the pressures of No. 1 rankings and apparel contracts combined with working on a long-distance relationship that gets reported on by the international press. They seem to cope with it well.

McIlroy's quote suggests he understands that his request for privacy won't, and necessarily shouldn't, be heeded. But you can't blame a guy from trying.